PUBLIC CONSULTATION EVENTS WHAT NEXT FOR THE TOWN CENTRE?

We worked hard to get a Neighbourhood Plan that local people voted to bring into legal force. Let’s keep our Neighbourhood Plan bang up-to-date; this is a living document and we need to respond to a changing context and make sure that our Plan remains as strong as possible

A draft Town Centre Master Plan has been produced by consultants who have taken a holistic, independent approach. They have examined the town’s Economy and Vitality, its Culture and Distinctiveness, its Connections and Accessibility, the quality of its Public Realm, and its Heritage and Townscape; all set against the pressing agenda of Sustainability and Climate Change.

There is also the possibility of some Town Centre Regeneration Site opportunities with vacant sites in the town centre, including those recently vacated as part of the Campus project; they may provide identified/ allocated housing to meet local needs.

We are seeking your views on the draft plan with a special event planned for town centre businesses to start the process, closely followed by community consultation.

HOUSING SITE ALLOCATIONS LED BY THE COMMUNITY

The next version of the Plan will include housing site allocations for small and medium sites, whereas the Local Plan being produced by Wiltshire Council will be allocating large, strategic sites. The Plan’s housing allocation means that future development is Plan led and not speculative development in isolated green fields. This is your opportunity to comment on where these smaller sites should be. Some 90+ sites have been put forward by local landowners, and are currently being assessed for suitability by independent consultants. We are asking for your views on these sites, and the community benefits that they could bring.

STRENGTHENING LOCALLY DISTINCTIVE DESIGN

We are forecast to accommodate a further approx. 2,500 houses up to 2036.

For new housing, and other development, it’s not just about where it is, and whether it’s two or three bedrooms, rented or for purchase; it’s about what it looks like and this is where the Design Codes come in. Consultants have been appointed to do this work, and are looking at what “good design” looks like for the Melksham area and all future planning applications will have to adhere to the Code when the Plan is adopted. From designing out anti-social behaviour, to brick colours, to solar panels, this is all covered in the Design Code. It covers local identity and character, access and movement incorporating the Priority for People work, green and blue infrastructure, sustainability and energy efficiency and the built form. There will be some community engagement on this piece of work over the coming weeks.

HOUSING SITE ALLOCATIONS LED BY THE COMMUNITY

The Neighbourhood Plan will list heritage assets that don’t have Listed status but still have an important historical value to the local community.

Thank you to those of you who responded to this survey. A small group of volunteers is looking at the evidence for these sites; it’s a short list but valuable nevertheless, we are currently making contact with the local landowners. You can view the sites put forward on the Neighbourhood Plan website or at the public consultation events and we will be seeking your views on these heritage assets.

FORMER LLOYDS BANK

KELLY’S LAMP

COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Come to the Melksham Community Campus for an exhibition of display boards with a chance to chat in-person

THURSDAY 9TH FEBRUARY 4-7pm • FRIDAY 10TH FEBRUARY 11am-5pm • SATURDAY 11TH FEBRUARY 10am-12 noon

Consultation boards will then be on display in the campus and town hall from early February to early March

Where you will be able to comment directly on proposals

STAKEHOLDER EVENT: Tuesday 7th February. For town centre businesses focusing on the town centre masterplan

Register your interest at linda.roberts@melksham-tc.gov.uk 01225 704187

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